Large Perth Amboy blaze not considered suspicious

PERTH AMBOY (AP) — Investigators say a blaze that destroyed five rowhomes and left 45 people homeless in Perth Amboy is not considered suspicious.

But Fire Chief David Volk said that the cause of the fast-moving fire that broke out around 3:30 p.m. Friday remains under investigation.

No injuries were reported in the fire, and three dogs reported missing were later found safe and reunited with their owners.

Three of the rowhomes were fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, and the flames soon spread to two other houses. Volk said scores of firefighters battled the blaze, but their efforts were hampered because railroad tracks prevented crews from bringing fire trucks to the rear of the buildings.